Book Reviews by Sandy

COCOA BEACH CABANA-Sweeney House book 6 by Cecelia Scott

2026-07-08T07:17:15.274-07:00

book 6 finds Sam and Ethan growing closer. Julie the wayward sister decided to run for mayor. Amber-the daughter of their new stepsister helps with Julies campaign.

Ethan builds an amazing cabana on the beach. And Ambers father show up.

all of these books are fun and fast reads, I especially enjoyed them as i know the area the stories take place in.

AMAZON -Cocoa Beach Cabana Sweeney House

SANDY SAYS 3/3 STARS

COCOA BEACH BAKERY Sweeney House book 5 by Cecelia Scott

2026-07-08T07:10:33.253-07:00

Annie-Sam's friend is finally going to open her own bakery. For years she has baked for friends and family and everyone loves her sweets. While getting her shop ready to open she meets the guy who owns the gym that is next to her shop and his cute daughter. Dottie-Sam's mom is working on her relationship with her newly found step daughter and step granddaughter. But, Sam uncovers a secret they are hiding.

AMAZON - Cocoa Beach Bakery-Sweeney House

SANDY SAYS 3/3 STARS

COCOA BEACH SUNRISE-Sweeney House book 4 by Cecelia Scott

2026-07-08T06:59:29.625-07:00

all the stories continue Sam and her sister Erica decide to try and find a sister, one the knew nothing about.

brother John and his wife are struggling now and wonder what is next.

Friend Annie is having troubles as well, as as a longtime friend and member of the family they all try to help.

in the Sweeney family they always look out for and accept each other.

AMAZON-Cocoa Beach Sunrise-Sweeney House

SANDY SAYS 3/3 STARS

COCOA BEAC REUNION-SWEENEY HOUSE book 3 by Cecelia Scott

2026-07-08T06:53:09.630-07:00

In book 3, we continue the stories started and we meet another sister of Sams-Julie and her daughter come home after years of being on the road.

Her brother John has to learn to handle his business and run the household while his wife is out of state working.

Sam and the carpenter working on the inn deeper their friendship.

AMAZON-Coco Beach Reunion-Sweeney House

SANDY SAY S3/3 STARS

COCOA BEACH BOARDWALK-Sweeney House book 2 by Cecelia Scott

2026-07-08T06:48:23.992-07:00

this is book 2 of the Sweeney House series. Samantha is now back living with her son and daughter at her mothers home on Cocoa Beach. She and her mom have decided to renovate the inn- a ,much needed renovation. Her daughter is nursing a broken heart, after her new boyfriend goes home to help his family.

Her sister is trying to handle her new daughter-a foster care adoption child.

Sam's son Ben has recovered from a terrible car accident and decided to enroll in the local high school.

Sam's brother and his wife are having a rough patch

AMAZON-Cocoa Beach Boardwalk-Sweeney House

SANDY SAY S3/3 STARS

COCOA BEACH COTTAGE-Sweeney House by Cecelia Scott

2026-07-08T06:35:01.404-07:00

book One in the series on the Sweeney House. It is set in Cocoa Bach, Florida and also the Orlando metro area. Places I know quite well, so it was enjoyable reading a series based there.

In book one, Samantha Parker and her children are starting over after she and her husband divorce. He is a surgeon and they led a comfortable lifestyle. However, he was cheating on her and his mistress is pregnant. Their daughter, who was in med school at the time came home and caught them together; she quits med school and goes to work rending bar.

At a loss as to her next move, Samantha and the kids move to Cocoa Beach to live with her mother whos home is right next to the families motel and right on the beach. She is unsure what to make of her life at this point as she had devoted her life to her husband and kids. She reconnects with her siblings and begins to heal

AMAZON- Cocoa Beach Cottage-Sweeney House

SANDY SAYS - 3/3 Stars

ENDURE (the end times book 3) by Nate Johnson

2025-11-30T16:30:00.000-08:00

This story follows Ryan’s cousin Chase as he has also received a call from his uncle with the urgent message. He is currently in the mountains camping out. He starts the long trip from the Sierra Nevada mountains to Idaho. He doesn’t get far when he comes across a girl and her young brothers that are stranded due to a car accident caused by the emp. He takes them to Reno to their grandmothers and stays a bit. He has to get to his grandfather’s and it takes some convincing for them to go with him after their grandmother passes away

AMAZON - ENDURE - the end times book 3

SANDY SAYS 3/3 STARS

ESCAPE (the End times book 2) by Nate Johnson

2025-11-30T16:24:00.000-08:00

The second book in the series. This story follows Haley, Ryan from the first book-cousin. She gets a call from her uncle with their emergency code and he tells her she needs to get to Idaho to her grandfather’s home. She lives in New York City, how in the world will she make it that far walking and alone. Before she can get out of the city she is grabbed by some guys. Lucky for her a big strong guy comes to her rescue. They end up traveling together along with his dog. It tells their struggles for food and water and people wanting to take what they want

AMAZON - Escape a the end times book 2

SANDY SAYS 3/3 STARS

IMPACT (End of Times #1) by Nate Johnson

2025-10-13T18:20:00.000-07:00

A very fast and interesting read. What would you do if you found out a meteor was about to hit the earth? It will wipe out everything as you know it, cars won’t work as all electronics are wiped out, massive storms. Yet, Ryan and his neighbor Kelsey-both high school students- must race to find a way out of the city and get to her mom and his grandfather’s farm

Will they survive?

Amazon. Impact

SANDY SAYS 3/3 Stars

HERE'S TO US by Elin Hilderbrand

2023-04-22T07:39:00.002-07:00

A book that had me losing interest.

Story of a dysfunctional family. A famous chef and his current wife and two ex wives and his three children. He dies suddenly and the family meets at the family beach house on Nantucket. They gather to say goodbye.

Amazon - Here's to Us

SANDY SAYS 2/3 STARS

THE NEWCOMER by Mary Kay Andrews

2023-04-22T07:18:00.001-07:00

Another great read by Mary Kay.

What would you do if your sister was murdered and her 4 year old daughter was in the home? After your sister told you if something happens to me, take her and run, because she was afraid of the girls father. You would grab her and run and thats what Letty does.

She leaves NYC and winds up in a very small beach town in Florida, drawn there only because of a postcard that her sister had. She goes to the small beachside motel and manages to get a room and a job. Only problem is the owners son is a police detective. She tries to keep her head down and keep Maya safe.

Will the bad guys find her? Will the cop figure it out?

Amazon - The Newcomer

SANDY SAYS 3/3 STARS

ALL IS BRIGHT by RaeAnne Thayne

2023-04-22T07:09:00.001-07:00

A wonderful fast read.

Sage is an architect and works for her fathers firm. Her specialty is making homes accessible for individuals with special needs. She is currently back in her small hometown in Colorado, a big change from LA. She is there taking a break from some long projects and to visit family over Christmas. As well as to oversee the final renovations of a home in town.

She also does a show that showcases what she does; to help people. She is overseeing just such a home now, although for a very reclusive ex ball player.

Can she break through his shell, and help his daughter and mother?

All Is Bright

SANDY SAYS 3/3 STARS

SUMMER ON THE ISLAND by Brenda Novak

2023-02-16T05:31:00.002-08:00

A fast read by Brenda. Mallory and two friends decide to spend the summer on an island off Fl coast. Her family has a summer place there. Her father who was in politics has passed away and her mother has decided to sell the home in Ga and DC and live on the island. Her mother has medical issues and has a live in housekeeper that has been with them for years, her tow sons growing up with Mallory.

Mallory an attorney decided to close her law practice and move home. Her friends had problems during the pandemic and are looking forward to a break.

Throw in a hurricane, old flames and a stalker.

AMAZON - Summer on the Island

SANDY SAYS 3/3 STARS

CHOIR OF ANGELS by Debbie Macomber

2023-01-23T07:46:00.003-08:00

Another great Christmas story featuring Shirley, Goodness and Mercy.

Greg is divorced with few friends and is about to lose his business. He also, hates Christmas. His mom hopes he will meet a good woman.

Can they pull off yet another Christmas miracle?

AMAZON - Choir of Angels

SANDY SAYS 3/3 STARS

BULLS ISLAND-a Lowcountry Tale by Dorothea Benton Frank

2023-01-23T07:39:00.002-08:00

Dorothea was a fantastic author and a great loss when she passed.

Another great book.

Bulls Island is in the Carolina lowcountry and was supposed to be a preserve. Betts grew up in the area but currently lives and works in NYC and is a single mom. JD was her longtime boyfriend while growing up and were engaged to be married. JD's family was very rich. Then after an argument while at dinner celebrating the couple Betts mom and dad leave and get into an accident. Her mom passed away. This is when she broke the engagement and fled to NY.

Now, her company is involved in developing the island and send her to oversee it. JD's family is also involved so she will have to work side by side with him.

What could go wrong?

AMAZON - Bulls Island a lowcountry tale

SANDY SAYS 3/3 STARS

SNOWFLAKES AND STARLIGHT by Debbie Macomber bonus story by Joann Ross and one by Jennifer Snow

2023-01-23T07:29:00.002-08:00

Do you love Christmas? I do and can read Christmas books all year long.

Debbie's story is Here Comes Trouble

Maryanne is a rookie journalist, in Seattle. Her family is a well known journalist family with money and clout, on the east coast. Even though her dad made one phone call and got her the job, she wants to make it on her own. Course, she is surviving on her trust fund. Nolan is a respected columnist with a rival company. They have started to cross paths and but heads.

What will happen? Maryanne is bound and determined to make it on her own after conversations with Nolan. To the point of giving up her job and fancy apartment, and moving into a tiny apartment in Nolan's building and becoming a waitress.

AMAZON - Snowflakes and Starlight

SANDY SAYS 3/3 STARS

WHITE LACE AND PROMISES by Debbie Macomber bonus story by Shannon Stacey

2023-01-23T07:18:00.002-08:00

Debbie is a favorite author of mine and never fails to have great stories.

Glen has lost his love who has married another man. He really does not want to attend and be in a wedding. Although, Maggie is maid of honor. They were best friends in high school. Wonder what will happen will they reconnect. Can or will they take a chance on love?

AMAZON - White Lace and Promises

SANDY SAYS 3/3 STARS

A COLD CREEK SECRET by RaeAnne Thayne bonus story by Caro Carson

2023-01-23T07:11:00.001-08:00

Mimi is a heiress and on the run. She ends up crashes her car while driving in a blizzard. Lucky for her she crashes right in front of Brant's ranch, he is home on leave from the military. Mimi gives a fake name and begs him for help. He, of course helps her and they ride out the storm in his home. Will he find out her secret and what will happen?

AMAZON - A Cold Creek Secret

SANDY SAYS 3/3 STARS

ONLY MINE by Susan Mallery

2022-08-09T06:44:00.001-07:00

What happens when your town has more women than men? A tv production company decides to film a reality show there. This is a sleepy small town. Dakota has been assigned to work with the production company. In comes Finn, whos twin brothers are trying out for the show. They are one semester away from graduating college, he is determined to get them back there. Since the death of their parents, he has raised his brothers.

Will they get picked to be on the show? Will he be able to convince them to goo back to college?

AMAZON - Only Mine-Fool's Gold book 7

SANDY SAYS 3/3 STARS

ONE PERFECT SUMMER by Brenda Novak

2022-08-09T06:24:00.002-07:00

What would you do if you did a dna test and found you had half siblings.

Serenity did a dna test as research for a book she is writing. Only to learn that she has two half sisters. Now she is wondering what is the true story. She was raised with twin sisters and a brother in a loving family. She connects with her half sisters online. After talking for a while they end up arranging to meet at Serenity's families cabin at Tahoe. They are going to be there a week. Serenity does not tell her family, though.

Each girl brings in their own baggage. Can they get along? Can they figure out who their parents are and how they are related.

AMAZON - One Perfect Summer

SANDY SAYS 3/3 STARS

A Summer of Surprises-a Seashell Cottage story by Judith Keim

2022-07-19T06:12:00.003-07:00

A very fast read. A story set in a small Florida gulf town. Jill, a kindergarten teacher in NY is off for the summer. Her sister calls and asks if she would housesit for her friend. It sounds ideal a summer on the beach, while she oversees a worker at the home. Once she arrives she learns she is to cook and clean and do laundry, and the workers nephew and great niece will be there for a few weeks. Great, another trap by her sister.

What else can happen?

AMAXON - A Summer of Surprises-a seashell cottage story

SANDY SAYS 3/3 STARS

8 SANDPIPER WAY by Debbie Macomber

2022-07-17T07:23:00.002-07:00

Another fast and fun read by Debbie. This is another Cedar Cove story.

As always, the story revolves around the folks that live in Cedar Cove. Olivia, a local judge is diagnosed with cancer. Her mom and stepdad are suppose to take a cruise over the Christmas holidays; but should they?

Is pastor Dave having an affair? That is all his wife can figure with the clues she has found.

Tanni a high school student who lost her father a year ago, finally starts to reconnect.

And, so on

AMAZON - 8 Sandpiper Way - Cedar Cove

SANDY SAYS 3/3 STARS

SUNSET BEACH by Mary Kay Andrews

2022-07-11T07:41:00.003-07:00

Another fast fun read by MKA.

Drue's mother has just passed away and she doesn't have a job, she was a waitress. Out of the blue, after a 20 year absence; her father shows up at the funeral. he is remarried to Drue's ex friend from school. He offers her a job at his law firm and her grandparents house to live in. As expected she and his wife do not get along and her job is the lowest of the low. But, she settles in and things do get better.

AMAZON - Sunset Beach

SANDY SAYS 3/3 STARS

BEACH HOUSE FOR RENT by Mary Alice Monroe

2022-07-11T07:33:00.000-07:00

Great story. Cara owns her families beach house on Isle of Palms. She is now married and not living there. She rents it out to Heather who is pretty much a recluse and an artist that has been commissioned to create pictures for stamps for the USPS. The beach house is perfect for her, she can draw and be left alone. She thrives here. She starts to make friends and even finds a boyfriend. Then the unexpected happens, Cara's husband dies. She cant bear to remain in their-his home and sells it and asks Heather to vacate early. Heather declines but invites her to move in and share the home until her lease is up.

AMAZON - Beach House for Rent

SANDY SAYS 3/3 STARS

SANDPIPER ISLAND by Donna Kauffman

2022-07-11T07:19:00.002-07:00

Interesting story of Ford who lives on an island and study's birds, off of Blueberry Cove, Maine. Delia runs the local diner, which she just found out her yearly lease has expired. The town is not allowing her to reup her lease. Ford ends up trying to help her figure out a solution.

AMAZON - Sandpiper island

SANDY SAYS 2/3 STARS wasn't able to read more than a few pages at a time